AS and A Level Physics A: What adaptations are in place for Summer 2022?

A Level Physics A (H556)

The content of the written examinations will remain the same. However, prior to the examinations, advance information will be provided about the content of the examinations, to allow students to direct their revision. The advance information will be released on 7 February.

For the Practical Endorsement, the requirement to complete a minimum of 12 practical activities has been removed for the coming academic year. Students should still aim to complete enough practical activities to cover the CPAC requirements and the 1.2.1 section of our specifications.

You should also aim to cover all of the 1.2.2 apparatus and techniques, though students can still receive a pass if they have covered the majority of these. It is important that you still teach students about any apparatus and techniques they are unable to cover, as they will still be expected to answer questions about these in the examinations.

You will still need to sign a 2022 version of the NEA Centre Declaration Form as you will still be expected to confirm that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that students have had the opportunity to carry out practical activities.

Practical Endorsement monitoring visits will continue to be carried out remotely, though this may be subject to a review later in the academic year.

AS Level Physics A (H156)

The content of the written examinations will remain the same. However, prior to the examinations, advance information will be provided about the content of the examinations, to allow students to direct their revision. The advance information will be released on 7 February.

For students who are on an AS only pathway, sitting AS examinations in Summer 2022 and not progressing to A Level: if they are unable to carry out practical science work, they are able to observe a demonstration and/or simulation carried out by a teacher or remotely (for example by watching a demonstration online or a video). 

Students who are completing an AS Level as the first year of the two-year A Level course will still be expected to meet the full A Level Practical Endorsement requirements before examinations in June 2023. 

A minimum of 15% of the marks in the written examinations will still cover indirect assessment of practical skills.  It is important to note that the changes to the Practical Endorsement requirements apply specifically to students on an AS Level only pathway. Year 12 students on the first year of the A Level pathway should still be completing practical work towards the normal requirements for the Practical Endorsement.